Lake Como (Italian Lake Como) is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated lakes in Europe: dramatic mountain scenery, elegant villas, and an international community—close to Milan and Switzerland. This guide will help you figure out if life by the lake is right for you, where to live, and how to find a job.
Why Lake Como?
Lake Como Brings People Together A picture-perfect landscape in a prime location: Milan is about an hour away, Switzerland (Lugano) is right next door, and Milan-Malpensa Airport is nearby. The area is upscale and international – Prices in the well-known neighborhoods are correspondingly high. If you’re looking for nature, a lake, and proximity to the business hub, this is the place for you.
Where to Live: Cities and Rent Prices
- Como: the vibrant city at the southern tip, with good connections to Milan and Switzerland.
- Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna: famous, upscale seaside resorts (touristy and expensive).
- Lecco: the eastern arm of the lake, more down-to-earth and a bit less expensive.
- Hills and Hinterland: cheaper, by car.
Living right on the lake is expensive; it becomes more affordable further inland. You can read about how rental agreements work at Rent an Apartment.
Where to Go in Italy? A Comparison of Regions for Expats
North, Central, or South? A comparison of climate, costs, jobs, and the expat community—here’s how to find the right region to move to in Italy.
Labor and the Economy
The region thrives on Tourism, Silk Tradition (Como is a historic center of the silk industry), crafts, and small businesses. Many working people commute to Milan or as a cross-border worker in the Switzerland (Ticino), where wages are higher. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job.
Cost of living
It's at the lake expensive – especially in the well-known towns and when it comes to real estate. Life is more affordable in the countryside and in Lecco. The overview of the Cost of living.
Everyday Life: Traffic and Climate
Trains connect Como and Lecco with Milan and Switzerland; ferries operate between the towns on the lake. For the hilly hinterland, there is a Practical Car. The climate is mild – The lake ensures moderate temperatures and Mediterranean vegetation. Learn more at Public Transportation.
First Steps on Lake Como
The usual order applies: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at your municipality of residence, registration with the health department, and a bank account. You can find the complete process in the Moving Checklist.
What You Need to Do Next
Decide whether you want to live right on the lake (expensive) or in the hinterland, and figure out your job or commuting arrangements (Milan or Switzerland). Get your Codice Fiscale and—if you’re not an EU citizen—the appropriate visa, and work through the administrative steps one by one.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Lake Como
Sources
- Lombardy Region (accessed in June 2026)
- ISTAT – National Institute of Statistics (accessed in June 2026)
